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Bloomington-Normal residents frustrated with President Trump, stand up for DACA

Bloomington residents took to the streets of downtown Bloomington to voice their opinion. (Photo courtesy Blake Haas/WZND)

BLOOMINGTON – Residents of the Bloomington-Normal community stood up for DACA earlier Tuesday afternoon in front of the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts.

DACA which stands for the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals has been at the forefront of major debates after President Trump slashed hope for DACA members. The hope for DACA members has shaped its way to Central Illinois provoking recent protests. Bloomington-Normal activist Lauren Bourn said within standing the cold temperatures is nothing when your standing up for what you believe in.

“I think it takes people standing out in the cold to remind others that, hey, this is still happening,” added Bourn. “This needs to be in the forefront of our minds.”

Bourn added that in order for DACA to gain traction at the local level, Bloomington-Normal residents need to speak up.

“I think that just being places. I just moved here and I went to my first city hall meeting yesterday,” Bourn said. “I think its just being there, being in groups and being active, getting information and calling representatives everyday and just bugging them (helps).”

Bloomington-Normal activicts Kelley Pheifen said she’s standing up for the fight for others who can’t.

“There are people who are scared to show up here today,” added Pheifen. “They don’t have a voice, they can’t be here. I can’t imagine just sitting by and not standing up for them.

“I really don’t think that these dreamers should be bargaining chips in any kind of immigration reform. I think that they should be able to stay here and we should deliver our promise, we promised them a life here.”

Blake Haas contributed to this story.

(Local members of the Bloomington-Normal community pictured above made signs in support for DACA.)

WZND Newsroom

February 13th, 2018

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